Overlap between physical chemistry and chemical engineering?H

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SUMMARY

The discussion highlights the significant overlap between physical chemistry and chemical engineering, particularly in the areas of thermodynamics, kinetics, and transport phenomena. Chemical engineering students are required to complete two terms of physical chemistry, including quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics, alongside a dedicated engineering thermodynamics course series. While additional coursework in physical chemistry may enhance understanding, the detailed analysis performed in academic settings is rarely replicated in professional environments. Quantum mechanics is deemed less applicable in practical chemical engineering work.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamics principles
  • Familiarity with kinetics and transport phenomena
  • Knowledge of quantum mechanics concepts
  • Experience with statistical mechanics applications
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore advanced thermodynamics in chemical engineering applications
  • Investigate the role of kinetics in reaction engineering
  • Study transport phenomena in fluid mechanics
  • Learn about the practical applications of statistical mechanics in engineering
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Chemical engineering students, educators in physical chemistry, and professionals seeking to understand the integration of physical chemistry principles in chemical engineering practices.

vincent_vega
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How much overlap is there between physical chemistry and chemical engineering with regards to thermodynamics, kinetics, and transport phenomena? Would it be beneficial for a chemical engineering student to take the physical chemistry courses that deal with these topics? Or would it be redundant?

At my school we have the option of either taking first semester pchem or first semester quantum mechanics.
 
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In my ChemE program we are required to take two terms of physical chemistry (quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics(?)) and we have the option of taking the thermodynamics p chem course as well. Note that we are also required to take a dedicated engineering thermodynamics course series as well.

For most chemical engineering work, the extra background might be good for helping understanding, but you will not be doing the detailed analysis/calculation that you do in a classroom setting. That being said, quantum mechanics is probably even less applicable to a work environment.
 

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